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Could the contraceptive pill as we know it today give way to a pill taken on demand, just before sexual intercourse? In any case, this is the promise of scientists from Stanford University, California.
The study, which was published in the journal BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Healtha pill that combines two existing drugs has the potential to prevent pregnancy if taken just before sex.
A “promising” therapy, according to the researchers
Combining a morning-after pill with arthritis medication, this pill, consisting of two tablets, is said to have “disrupted ovulation at peak fertility“explain the authors.
To achieve this result, they followed nine women aged 18 to 35. They received a single dose of 30 mg of ulipristal acetate and 30 mg of meloxicam during the luteal phase of their cycle, ie the period before ovulation.
An effective contraceptive if it “disturbs” ovulation
The participants were first followed for two menstrual cycles, or about two months, to identify their normal ovulation patterns and when their luteal phase occurred. It was only during their third cycle that they received the cocktail of drugs.
Their hormone levels were measured by blood test and ultrasounds were performed to determine if ovulation had occurred or had been disrupted. The drug was considered an effective contraceptive if it disrupted ovulation.
Encouraging results
The results of this work show that ovulation was disrupted in six of the nine women, while eight met certain criteria for incomplete ovulation. According to the researchers, during the cycle the women took the drugs, the duration of the drugs increased by three days, from 29 to 32, and their progesterone levels were lower. One participant reported irregular bleeding.
The combination of these two molecules would be, according to the authors, “the best candidate for disrupting ovulation, the moment when the risk of conception is highest”, by definition.
The molecules used are known
The molecules chosen by the researchers are known. Ulipristal acetate, which stops or delays the release of an egg, is what is commonly called a “morning after pill”, taken in case of unprotected sex and risk of unwanted pregnancy. As currently used, it must be taken within five days of having sex to prevent pregnancy and is not intended for use as a regular form of birth control.
Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat long-term conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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A breakthrough in contraception
The authors explain that they became interested in the question because of the lack of oral contraceptives available on demand. Indeed, apart from condoms and female diaphragms, there is no contraceptive that can be used on demand.
In addition, this type of alternative is of interest to patients and doctors because of the significant side effects associated with the pill such as headaches, chest pain, mood swings, nausea or even cardiovascular and cardiovascular risks. of cervical cancer.
The authors conclude that “more studies are needed on the performance of the drug combination and the side effects they trigger“.